Ajuga reptans ‘Carpet Bugleweed’

Carpet bugleweed is a low growing evergreen perennial 6-10 in (15.2-25.4 cm) tall which forms a dense matlike groundcover as it spreads along underground stolons. As is typical of herbaceous plants in the mint family, bugleweed has square stems and opposite or whorled leaves. The basal leaves are dark green and oblong or spoon shaped, 3-5 in (7.6-12.7 cm) long and 1-2 in (2.5-5.1 cm) wide; stem leaves are a little smaller. The flowers (usually blue or purplish) are about 1/2 in (1.3 cm) long and borne in whorls on erect spikes 6-10 in (15.2-25.4 cm) tall. They are typical mint flowers: tubular with two unequal lips. Many cultivars have been selected for foliage or flower color. ‘Alba’ has white flowers. ‘Rubra’ has rosy red flowers. ‘Pink Elf’ has pink flowers and gets only about 2 in (5.1 cm) tall. ‘Jungle Bronze’ has bronze leaves and flower spikes to 10 in (25.4 cm) tall. ‘Jungle Beauty’ has unusually colorful foliage, consisting of purple leaves with red margins. ‘Purple Brocade’ has leaves variegated with purple. ‘Multicolor’ or ‘Rainbow’ has leaves variegated with cream and pink. ‘Variegata’ has gray green leaves variegated with cream.